If the last game between the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Butler University is any indication, it could be a long night for the Panthers of Milwaukee. The Panthers, who are back on track after tripping up in Detroit and Wright State, host the Bulldogs on Feb. 12 at the U.S. Cellular Arena.

Butler is nationally-ranked for a reason. The Bulldogs are an adept outside shooting team, and that was what they relied on in the early stages of the season. When their three-point shooting started to taper off, they found Matt Howard was ready to battle down low earlier than estimated.

Howard leads a paint powerhouse that can match up with any team in the Horizon League. Butler is led by the backcourt of A.J. Graves and Mike Green, which might be the greatest backcourt in conference history when it’s all said and done at the end of this season.

Butler, which has been a great team for a long time, is enjoying the best two-year run in program history. Fortunately for the Panthers, Butler has trouble in Milwaukee.

They got blown out in the conference title game in 2006 and were No. 14 in the nation last season when they escaped with a five-point victory over the eventual 9-22 Panthers over winter break. This year’s Milwaukee team is far superior to last year’s, whereas Butler is roughly the same.

With full support from the Klotsche Krazies, and riding a two-month high, the Panthers might set the stage for a rushing of the court on Tuesday. Just be sure you don’t miss it.

Position-by-position analysis

A.J. Graves vs. Deonte Roberts – Graves and Roberts are the complete opposite at 2-guard. Graves is a sharpshooter, while Roberts is great off the dribble. No one can take Roberts if he goes to his left, including Graves, but Graves’ versatility and big game experience give him the edge. Verdict – Butler

Mike Green vs. Allan Hanson – While Hanson is an emotional leader and can run the Panther offense, Green is ridiculously quick and a superior shooter. Hanson will need a ton of help from the better-equipped Deion James to keep Green in check. Verdict – Butler

Matt Howard vs. Marcus Skinner – Marcus Skinner got into foul trouble at Butler and this matchup never got off the ground in Indy. If Skinner stays out of foul trouble, it could be a classic; both players are garbagemen who pick up the trash and stuff it in the hole. Howard gets the edge, however, for being third in the conference in blocks and scoring 13+ points per game. Verdict – Butler

Drew Streicher vs. Paige Paulsen – After years as a backup, Streicher finally got his chance to start this season. Paulsen is an all-conference performer who will be able to exploit Streicher in both the post and from outside. If Paulsen is on, Milwaukee has a chance. Verdict – Milwaukee

Julian Betko vs. Ricky Franklin – Franklin is, without a doubt in this writer’s mind, the leader of this team. His inspired and emotional play leaves no doubt as to his effort on the floor. Betko is a role player who doesn’t do anything exceptionally but looks good because of the players around him. The No. 5 might hang from the rafters one day. The same can’t be said for Betko. Verdict – Milwaukee

Butler Bench (Pete Campbell, Willie Veasley, Zach Hahn, Shawn Vanzant, Avery Jukes) vs. Milwaukee Bench (Deion James, Jason Averkamp, Kaylan Anderson, Charlie Swiggett, Anthony Hill) – The sixth men on each team (Deion James and Pete Campbell) could easily start; James is a very capable point guard and Campbell is a better shooter than most in the conference. The roster ravages of Milwaukee left only five players available off the bench, but Jason Averkamp and Charlie Swiggett have shined. Verdict - Even

Brad Stevens vs. Rob Jeter – Stevens seamlessly took over the program from now-Iowa head coach Todd Lickliter. He grew within the system, and has perpetuated the Butler Way. Jeter proved when he took the job in 2005 that he could sell his system to a great team. The fact that Jeter has persevered this season with the mass exodus of bad characters and locker room cancers and still found success makes him the leading candidate for coach of the year. Verdict – Milwaukee

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